Associated Press

The director of North Dakota's aeronautics commission has pleaded guilty to felony theft for taking an envelope with $1,770 from the counter of a Bismarck service station.

Gary Ness was given a two-year deferred sentence and placed on probation for two years. He will have to donate $2,000 to the Ruth Meiers Hospitality House in Bismarck.

Ness says he has no explanation or excuse for his actions. He says he'll resign his job as director of the state aeronautics commission. He has held the job for more than 20 years.

The plea agreement means Ness will not go to prison. His record will be wiped clean if he does not violate any laws over the next two years.